LIFE BASIC TRAINING

Many years ago I realized that "sit and soak" Christians got that way because churchianity made them to be that way. Christian values are shaped by repeating the same old, same old, year after year. Join a building called "church" and sit in it to hear preaching or have Bible study, etc. Maybe play in the gymnasium if one was created for the Private Club. Consequently, our values shape cultural Christianity that never focuses on the truth that the "church" is formed by humans baptized into intimacy by the Holy Spirit.

So I developed LIFE BASIC TRAINING.  My mentor Avery Willis coached me to develop an approach that mingled cognitive, psychomotor and affective domain content. Let me explain.

The equipping requires FIVE people to form a small group for 11 weeks. Same people stay together. "Person Number Five" is rehearsed by the Facilitator to chair the group.

First, it had to be 11 weeks long because anything any shorter would not allow concepts to be sneaked in a total of six times, and "it takes six to stick."

Second, it had to begin with a "brain teaser," a questionaire to set the focus for what would follow. So this is always the first page of each session.

Third, the presentation is planned in 5 parts, so each of the 5 members will take one part of the lecture and summarize it after the presentation has been given. This wraps attentiveness into the group as they listen to the content, about 15 minutes in length.

Fourth, following the presentation there is a small group discussion led by Person Number Five. This is designed to stir up controversy within the group. Disagreement is healthy; it stimulates thinking!

Fifth, there are FIVE DAYS of private Daily Growth Guides to be done at home. These reinforce the core value of the week. Important that they not be "crammed," but done each day so soaking of thought takes place.

Sixth, (this is so powerful!) the member is given an "Observation Assignment" for the week...something to observe in the lives of others that trigger the reality of the core value (usually a negative example of it.)

Seventh, the group reconvenes the next week and the Observations are discussed....following, comes the Brain Teaser and etc.

But one tricky thing is built into the series. The first weeks are shaping the core values. Midway through the series the subtle confrontation occurs: "Are you going to commit to this or not?" Many times those who are like the Rich Young Ruler will drop out. In one church with about 10 small groups going through the material together, some rose up and said, "I will not be returning!"

Yes...this is intentional. (Who is really ready for the next step?) Let the rest depart!

The last sessions reinforce the principle that all spiritual life begins with our death to self.

After these 11 weeks, it's possible to take those who have experienced the series and form Christ Basic Bodies with them.

Now...if you want a FREE download of all that you need to present LIFE BASIC TRAINING, email me at ralph@touchusa.org.

I will try to upload my video presentations for you and post them on the right column during July, 2012. But I am including the script for all 11 sessions so you can personally present the content in your ZIP download. It's too large for email so I will give you a YOUSENDIT link to download it after you write.

Praying this material will challenge many in the sit and soak church world.....